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Recession's wake doesn't scare Delaware boaters out of water

Boat sales drop, but industry thriving on participation

10:58 PM,
Apr. 30, 2011

Ted Link (right) talks with mechanic Greg Baker while Baker makes some final adjustments so the dynamometer can be used to evaluate the engine. Despite declining boat sales, Link has kept the business profitable by focusing on service.

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As his customers shied away from luxury items amid a global economic downturn, Ted Link said, he made a business decision to give up selling new boats.

But Link, of Link's Marine in Newark, said he's been able to sustain his business with service, which has held steady.

That connects with the conclusions of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which last week reported that the industry saw a decline in new boat sales last year, but an increase in participation in recreational boating. ...